as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
the report was missing a pivotal piece of information
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Recent Examples of pivotal
Marcia, along with the late Rev. J. Kenneth Major, then rector of The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, were among several community leaders who played a pivotal role in helping to calm the community during the unrest.
—
Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
The Allure of Premium Branding Beyond the plant itself, branding plays a pivotal role in elevating cannabis to luxury status.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025
Tonga played a pivotal role as a founding member of the Bullet Club stable in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 2013, alongside notable names such as Bad Luck Fale, Karl Anderson, and Prince Devitt.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
From its groundbreaking 2015 edition, when all juries were led by women, to the increasing percentage of female directors in graduation films, the festival has played a pivotal role in promoting gender equity.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
The Allure of Premium Branding Beyond the plant itself, branding plays a pivotal role in elevating cannabis to luxury status.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025
Tonga played a pivotal role as a founding member of the Bullet Club stable in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 2013, alongside notable names such as Bad Luck Fale, Karl Anderson, and Prince Devitt.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
From its groundbreaking 2015 edition, when all juries were led by women, to the increasing percentage of female directors in graduation films, the festival has played a pivotal role in promoting gender equity.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pivotal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pivotal
Adjective
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As episode three picks up in the aftermath, this expansion of Dina’s role begins to quietly reshape the story, positioning the character as a crucial anchor for Ellie’s journey moving forward and hinting at more deviations to come.—
Zoe Papelis,
Vulture,
28 Apr. 2025
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Trump’s visit to the Great Lakes State, which proved crucial in his election victory last year, further spotlights the battleground that will also feature a contentious race for an open Senate seat next year to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI).—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The District 3 race could also play a key role on whether Mahan successfully implements his policy agenda over the next year, as his bloc currently holds a slim voting advantage on the dais that could shift if Quevedo does not win the seat.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
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But the surprising mid-season decision to trade the Slovenian superstar coupled with a slew of key injuries, including to star guard Kyrie Irving, ultimately derailed any title aspirations Dallas might have had.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The order, which Trump signed in private, seeks to jumpstart the mining of both U.S. and international waters as part of a push to offset China's sweeping control of the critical minerals industry.—
Ernest Scheyder and Jarrett Renshaw,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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Enough jaw-dropping critical injuries are sustained by characters in The Raid to overcrowd the Pitt.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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These exercises are vital in strengthening our collective defense posture and operational readiness.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
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Florida’s 2,400-square-mile Everglades wetland is a water, wildlife and fisheries reserve unrivaled on the North American continent, and for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, saving the ecosystem is vital to the future of the state.—
Chris Dorsey,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pivotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pivotal. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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